Increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has seen more children being diagnosed in recent years. Still, many adults face challenges when it comes to receiving a diagnosis. A lot of adults without a formal diagnosis may not realize that the traits making them unique could be linked to ASD. While some manage to deal with their differences successfully, forming relationships and building careers, others may feel out of place or find certain areas of life more challenging.
Can Adults Have Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can manifest in different ways. Also, since it is a spectrum disorder, no two individuals are exactly the same, as each person has different strengths and difficulties. Pursuing an autism diagnosis, therefore, becomes even more necessary to choose the right line of options.
While it is often diagnosed in childhood, many adults who grew up before autism awareness increased might not have been diagnosed as children. Such adults generally experience challenges with social interactions, communication, and sensory sensitivities that they do not fully understand.
What Autism Looks Like in Adults
You might wonder if you could be on the autism spectrum. Here are some signs of autism that are common among adults:
- Communication Challenges: You might find it hard to carry on conversations, understand body language, or pick up on other people’s feelings.
- Social Interaction: Making and keeping friends might feel more challenging for you compared to others. You might feel more comfortable following routines and feel anxious if those routines are disrupted.
- Sensory Sensitivity: You may be particularly sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures. These sensitivities can range from finding loud noises uncomfortable to feeling overwhelmed by busy environments.
- Focused Interests: Many adults with autism also have intense and focused interests in specific topics or hobbies.
Steps to Pursue an Autism Diagnosis
Here are the steps to pursue an autism diagnosis:
1. Research and Reflection
Start by learning as much as you can about autism. Understanding the condition will help you see the broader spectrum and where you might fit. Reflect on your challenges and experiences and write them down. This can help you communicate more effectively with healthcare professionals later on.
2. Find the Right Professional
Finding a healthcare provider who understands autism in adults is essential. You might start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a specialist like a psychologist or psychiatrist. If specialists in your area are hard to find, look for those who work with ASD or ask if they are comfortable assessing adults for autism.
3. Prepare for Your Appointment
Before your appointment, make a list of the symptoms and experiences that led you to believe you might be on the autism spectrum. Be ready to discuss your childhood as well as your current challenges. If possible, bringing a family member or friend who knows you well can be helpful. They can share more from your early years that can be useful for diagnosis.
4. Undergoing Assessment
The assessment might involve several sessions where the psychologist will talk with you about your experiences and may use questionnaires or other tools to understand your behavior patterns. Be patient and completely open during these sessions.
5. After Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis can be a mix of emotions. You might feel relief on finally finding an explanation for all your experiences, or you might simply feel overwhelmed. In any case, a diagnosis is not a label but a tool to understand yourself better and find useful support to improve your quality of life.
Benefits of Getting an Autism Diagnosis
Here are some benefits of getting an autism diagnosis as an adult:
Empowerment Through Understanding
Understanding that you have autism can empower you. It explains the difficulties you’ve been facing and shows your strengths.
Access to Support and Community
A diagnosis opens up a world of resources fit for adults with autism. There are support groups, therapies, and societies where individuals experience the same things and share them with others.
Personal Growth
With the right support, many adults find that understanding their autism leads to significant personal growth. They develop better coping strategies, improve their social skills, and find environments that suit their sensory needs better.
Wrapping Up
Whether or not to seek an autism diagnosis is your choice, and it’s important to make the decision that feels right for you. However, if you decide to go through with the diagnosis, know that pursuing it can open doors to new resources and self-understanding that were not previously available. After all, it’s all about taking control of your life and moving forward with a better understanding of yourself and how you relate to the world around you.